TV ad rates rocket ahead of India, Pakistan final

NEW DELHI: Television advertising rates for Sunday’s cricket final between India and Pakistan are 10 times the normal price, industry sources said, as millions of fans are expected to tune in for a clash that last time ranked among the six most-watched sporting events.

A 30-second spot during the final to be broadcast by Rupert Murdoch’s Star Sports is expected to cost nearly INR 10 million ($155,267), far higher than the INR1 million that advertisers pay on average for most Indian shows, said a person involved in buying ads.

Most of the TV spots for the final, to be played in London, were pre-booked with firms such as Nissan Motor, Intel Corp, Emirates, Chinese mobile maker Oppo and Indian tyre maker MRF signed up as commercial partners for the tournament.